Grafton Car Park Repairs in Worthing Could Exceed £17 Million

A report into the future of Worthing’s Grafton multi-storey car park estimates that the minimum cost to make the site safe for reopening would exceed £17 million.

The car park was closed in May after sudden deterioration raised structural concerns. An assessment by civil engineers HOP Consulting and surveyors MacConvilles found that the most basic repair option - excluding lift and drainage work - would cost at least £17.1 million. More extensive options, including deck replacement, could push the cost above £32.3 million, depending on the solution chosen.

Worthing Borough Council will consider the findings at its joint strategic committee meeting on 11 September.

Council leader Cllr Sophie Cox warned the costs were beyond what the borough could fund from reserves without major cuts or tax rises. Meanwhile, the council has reopened its search for a development partner to regenerate the Grafton site, which includes the car park, Hollywood Bowl, Level 1 food area, and shops in Montague Street.